Spacer end clamp

ABSTRACT

One or more line spacers for installation onto lines are provided. A spacer includes an end portion configured to transition between an open state and a closed state. The spacer includes a first mating portion. The spacer includes a second mating portion configured to mate with the first mating portion to maintain the end portion in the closed state. The spacer is installed on a line of the lines when the end portion is associated with the line and maintained in the closed state.

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to provisional applications U.S. Ser.No. 63/254,761, filed on Oct. 12, 2021, entitled “ROBOT INSTALLED POWERLINE HARDWARE”, U.S. Ser. No. 63/254,763, filed on Oct. 12, 2021,entitled “DRONE INSTALLED BOLTED HARDWARE”, U.S. Ser. No. 63/254,767,filed on Oct. 12, 2021, entitled “TWIN SPACER DRONE INSTALL SYSTEM”,U.S. Ser. No. 63/254,774, filed on Oct. 12, 2021, entitled “SPACER ENDCLAMP”, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to in situ work upon utilitylines, such as power/communication lines (e.g., a power transmissionline). In an example, the present disclosure relates to a spacer endclamp for installation onto a utility line.

BACKGROUND

Many power/communication lines extend in a suspended manner, in air, bytowers, poles or the line. In situ (i.e., in place) work upon such apower/communication line thus involves work at location(s) spaced up andaway from terrain (i.e., spaced up and away from ground, building(s),water or the like).

In situ work upon such a power/communication line may be performed byone or more linemen or line technicians, possibly with the aid of hotstick(s) for safety. Performance of work by a line technician oftenincludes placing the line technician within a working distance of thepower/communication line upon which work is performed. Such placement ofa line technician within a working distance of a power/communicationline may include the use of a ladder, a lift apparatus (e.g., a buckettruck), a helicopter, or similar.

Working along an extended length of such a power/communication line mayinclude a need to move/reposition the device (e.g., ladder, liftapparatus, helicopter, or similar) used to place the line technicianwithin a working distance of the power/communication line.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription. This summary is not intended to identify key factors oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In accordance with an aspect, the present disclosure provides a linespacer for installation onto lines. The spacer includes an end portionconfigured to transition between an open state and a closed state. Thespacer includes a first mating portion. The spacer includes a secondmating portion configured to mate with the first mating portion tomaintain the end portion in the closed state. The spacer is installed ona line of the lines when the end portion is associated with the line andmaintained in the closed state.

In accordance with an aspect, the present disclosure provides a linespacer for installation onto lines. The spacer includes a first lineclamp comprising a first clamp portion actuatable between an opencondition and a closed condition and a second clamp portion actuatablebetween an open condition and a closed condition. The spacer includes amechanism to actuate the first clamp portion and the second clampportion.

In accordance with an aspect, the present disclosure provides a linespacer for installation onto lines. The spacer a first end portionconfigured to transition between an open state and a closed state. Thespacer includes a second end portion configured to transition between anopen state and a closed state. The spacer includes a mechanism to placethe first end portion in the closed state from the open state and toplace the second end portion in the closed state from the open state,wherein the spacer is installed on a first line of the lines via thefirst end portion when the first end portion is associated with thefirst line and in the closed state and the spacer is installed on asecond line of the lines via the second end portion when the second endportion is associated with the second line and in the closed state.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the techniques presented herein may be embodied in alternativeforms, the particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings are only afew examples that are supplemental of the description provided herein.These embodiments are not to be interpreted in a limiting manner, suchas limiting the claims appended hereto.

FIG. 1 is a partially truncated illustration of an example automateddrone system to install an item, such as a line spacer, in accordancewith at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged and further schematized, illustration of anexample portion of the drone system of FIG. 1 , showing a portion forholding and releasing the spacer, in accordance with at least one aspectof the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, reverse-angle illustration of an example portionof the drone system of FIG. 1 , showing portions for providing motiveforce, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the drone system of FIG. 1 , and anassociated example spacer about to be installed upon lines in accordancewith at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an illustration similar to FIG. 4 , during installation of thespacer upon the lines in accordance with at least one aspect of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an illustration similar to FIG. 5 , but after installation ofthe spacer and with the drone system departing in accordance with atleast one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration of a portion of a spacer, in apartially open state, that may be installed onto a line by a dronesystem in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an illustration similar to FIG. 8 , but with the spacer in aclosed, secured state in accordance with at least one aspect of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a spacer in an open state ready forinstallation onto lines by a drone system in accordance with at leastone aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an illustration similar to FIG. 9 , but shows the spacer in aclosed, secured state, such as after installation onto a line, with theclosure from the open state of FIG. 9 to the closed state of FIG. 10being via a linear actuation in accordance with at least one aspect ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a spacer, in the process of being actuatedfrom an open state to a closed state, for installation, securing, ontolines by a drone system, with the closure from the open state to theclosed state being via a linear actuation in accordance with at leastone aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, andwhich show, by way of illustration, specific example embodiments. Thisdescription is not intended as an extensive or detailed discussion ofknown concepts. Details that are known generally to those of ordinaryskill in the relevant art may have been omitted, or may be handled insummary fashion.

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to betaken as a limitation on the disclosed subject matter. Relative languageused herein is best understood with reference to the drawings, in whichlike numerals are used to identify like or similar items. Further, inthe drawings, certain features may be shown in somewhat schematic form.The drawing sheets, and content contained thereon, are incorporated intothis specification, and thus the patent application, by reference.

The following subject matter may be embodied in a variety of differentforms, such as methods, devices, components, and/or systems.Accordingly, this subject matter is not intended to be construed aslimited to any illustrative embodiments set forth herein as examples.Rather, the embodiments are provided herein merely to be illustrative.

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer tolike elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providean understanding of the claimed subject matter. It is evident, however,that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, structures and devices are illustrated inblock diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subjectmatter. Relative size, orientation, etc. of parts, components, etc. maydiffer from that which is illustrated while not falling outside of thescope of the claimed subject matter.

Herein the term line is to be accorded a broad interpretation. The linemay be a cable or the like. The line may include metal (e.g., copper,aluminum or the like) or other materials (e.g., fiber). Also, the linemay be for transmission of electrical energy, transmission ofcommunications or other functions. The line is suspended in air,typically at a height that increases challenge of accessing the line andextends for an expanse that increases challenge of accessing the line.The line may generally be considered a utility line. Such includes atransmission line and/or similar (e.g., suspended by utility pole,etc.).

In accordance with an aspect, the present disclosure provides a linespacer for installation (e.g., placing, locating, securing, affixing,etc.) onto lines. The spacer includes an end portion configured totransition between an open state and a closed state. The spacer includesa first mating portion. The spacer includes a second mating portionconfigured to mate with the first mating portion to maintain the endportion in the closed state. The spacer is installed on the line whenthe end portion is associated with the line and maintained in the closedstate.

In accordance with an aspect, the present disclosure provides a linespacer for installation onto lines. The spacer includes two line clamps.Each clamp includes two clamp portions actuatable between an opencondition and a closed condition. The spacer includes a mechanism tosimultaneously actuate both of the two clamps.

In accordance with an aspect, the present disclosure provides a linespacer for installation onto lines. The spacer includes at least oneline clamp. Each clamp includes two clamp portions actuatable between anopen condition and a closed condition. The spacer includes a mechanismfor securing the clamp with the clamp portions in the closed condition,including a non-rotary securing arrangement.

Line spacers may be used in association with lines and in particularelectrical transmission conductor lines that extend in a bundle (i.e.,two or more extending lines). The line spacers help to maintain linesspaced at a fixed distance apart from one another. Such spacing helps toprevent the lines from damaging each other. Within some examples, damagemay occur without such spacing and during wind induced sway, linevibration events or the like. Within some examples, several spacers maybe placed along a span between adjacent support towers/poles. Withinsome examples, such line spacers may be located approximately 30-60meters apart from each other along the lines of the bundle.

A typical line spacer includes portions that are actuatable to the linespacer upon the lines. It is to be appreciated that the actuatableportions of the line spacer may be varied and that such variations arenot limitations upon the present disclosure. It is to be understood thatthe present disclosure is to be interpreted as being broad to cover thevariations of line spacer and thus it is to be understood that theautomated drone system and associated method may be varied to operateupon the variations of the line spacers.

Typically, installation of line spacers requires direct connection froma line worker (e.g., a line technician) in order to be installed. Insome circumstances, the line technician may need to climb a pole orladder. The line technicians may also use a hot stick or other devicethat enables them to install the hardware from a distance. Linetechnicians may also be lifted with a helicopter, or work out of abucket truck. All of these methods require a direct connection betweenthe line technician and the hardware being installed. All of thesemethods are physically demanding and include several safety risks to theline technician and the line itself.

FIGS. 1-6 show an example of an automated drone system 10 for installingan example item 12 (e.g., a line spacer 12, see FIGS. 4-6 ) uponadjacent suspended lines 14 (see FIGS. 4-6 ). It is to be appreciatedthat the drone system 10 may have remotely (e.g., controlled by atechnician located on ground via radio transmission), have autonomousoperation, or a combination of remote control and autonomous operation.Note that the drone system 10 presents just one example embodiment of away to use a drone to install this type of hardware, e.g., a line spacer12. Variations that may achieve the same or similar task arecontemplated and such are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Within an example, the line spacer 12 is for spacing two lines 14 (e.g.,see FIG. 6 ). Portions of the line spacer 12 that secure the line spaceronto the lines 14 includes clamp portions 16. The clamp portions 16 arean example securing portion to secure onto the lines 14. It is to beappreciated that the line spacer 12, and portions thereof (e.g., theclamp portions 16) may be varied. Of course, such variations need not bespecific limitations upon the present disclosure. It is to beappreciated that the drone system 10, and portions thereof, may bevaried to accommodate variations of the line spacer. Such variations ofthe drone system 10 are contemplated and within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

As can be appreciated, the drone system 10 includes a flying droneportion 20 for levitation of the drone system to the location on thelines 14. See that the shown example of the flying portion 20 includesmultiple rotor prop portions 22. It is to be noted that the props areomitted from the figures to reduce clutter. Of course, such is simply anexample. A different number of rotor prop portions or even a singlerotor prop portion may be utilized. It is to be appreciated that theflying portion 20 may be varied and that such variation is within thescope of the present disclosure.

Within the shown example of the drone system 10, supported below theflying drone portion 20, the system includes: a portion 30 holding theline spacer 12 and releasing such spacer onto the lines at anappropriate time, and a portion 32 for actuating/securing portions(e.g., the clamp portions 16 of the shown example) of the spacer 12 tosecure the line spacer upon the lines.

Attention is directed to the sequence of FIGS. 4-6 which show the dronesystem 10 flying an example of the spacer 12 to a location on two lines14 (i.e., FIG. 4 ), securing the spacer onto the lines (FIG. 5 ), andthen the system flying off/away from the lines after the spacer isinstalled/secured (FIG. 6 ).

As shown in FIG. 2 , the portion 30 for holding is configured to holdand then release the spacer 12 onto the two lines 14. It is to beappreciated that the portion 30 for holding and releasing is somewhatschematically shown. Variation is contemplated and within the scope ofthe present disclosure. Within the shown example, the portion 30 forholding and releasing is a passive device using two resilient holdingfingers 36 that are resilient and deflect to allow the spacer 12 to snapin between the holding arms and be held in place. Once the spacer 12 isfully installed, a large upward force will cause the holding fingers 36to deflect and release the spacer. Of course, variation is possible andwithin the scope of the present disclosure. For example, thisportion/system could also be mechanically controlled in otherembodiments.

Attention is now directed to the portion 32 for actuating/securingportions (e.g., the clamp portions 16 of the shown example) of thespacer 12. FIGS. 4 and 5 show, somewhat schematically, arms 42 thatoperate to close the clamp portions 16 of the spacer 12 onto the lines14. The arms 42 are movable to accomplish the task of closing the clampportions 16. The movement of the arms 42 may be any needed movement andmay be accomplished in any desired manner. It is to be appreciated thatsuch components/structures (e.g., arms 42) may be varied dependent uponthe specifics of the spacer 12 and the clamp portions 16 thereof. Suchvariations are contemplated and within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Within the shown example, the arms 42 are linearly moved inwardly toengage and close the clamp portions 16. Within the shown example, theportion 32 for actuating/securing portions also includes a linearactuator control arrangement 44. The control arrangement 44 has amotorized mechanism that extends or retracts the two arms 42. Operationof the control arrangement 44 could be selectively controller via remotecontrol or automated via inclusion of a more complex sensor/controlsystem.

Within an example, the two arms 42 may also be used to hold the clampportions 16 of the spacer 12 open while the drone system 10 is flying sothat the lines 14 can be easily located into the clamp portions. Once invicinity of the two lines 14, the drone system 10 may be lowered towardthe two lines and the clamp portions 16 rest upon the lines. The arms 42are then pulled inward by the control arrangement 44 (e.g., the linearactuator therein is operated), causing the clamp portions 16 to closeonto the lines 14. Again, variation is contemplated and within the scopeof the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows further components/structures of the portion 32 foractuating/securing portions (e.g., the clamp portions 16 of the shownexample) of the spacer 12. Specifically, components/structures forsecuring the clamp portions 16 onto the lines 14. It is to beappreciated that such components/structures may be varied dependent uponthe specifics of the spacer 12 and the clamp portions 16 thereof. Suchvariations of the components/structures of the portion 32 for securingthe clamp portions 16 are contemplated and within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Within the shown example, moveable brackets 48 are provided that may beselective moved from locations not beneath the spacer 12, to locationsbeneath the spacer while the spacer is still held by the fingers 36, andthen moved back to locations not beneath the spacer 12. Slots may beprovided to guide the movements and such movements may be a slidingmovement.

Electric motors 52 are provided to move the moveable brackets 48. Theelectric motors 52 may have a variety of constructions andconfigurations, such as gear reduction units, etc. The motors 52 areoperated to control/drive leadscrews that provide for the movement ofthe brackets 48.

The brackets 48 and the motors 52 provide a compression module.Specifically, as the brackets 48 move, the brackets cam to press/squeezeupon the clamp portions 16. As such, there is a movement (e.g., asliding motion) of the brackets 48 of the compression modules that camunder the clamp portions 16. Such pressing/squeezing forces the clampportions 16 into a position onto the lines 14 such that the clampportions are ready to be fixedly secured onto the lines.

The components/structures for securing the clamp portions 16 alsoincludes a driver head/lead screws 62 and associated electric motors 64at the end portion of each bracket 48. When the brackets 48 cam topress/squeeze upon the clamp portions 16, each driver head 62 isaligned/centered relative to a respective latching/locking member (e.g.,twist lock, bolt or the like) on the clamp portions. The motors 64 arethen actuated to rotate/drive respective latching/locking member to lockthe spacer 12 in place onto the lines 14 and completing theinstallation.

The compression modules (e.g., the brackets 48 and the motors 64 locatedthereon) must be slid back, away when first placing (e.g., clipping) thespacer 12 into the portion 30 (e.g., fingers 36) for holding the spacerwhile the drone system 10 is on/at the ground. When the drone system 10is in the air and correctly positioned over the lines 14, thecompression module (e.g., the brackets 48 and the motors 64 locatedthereon) slides forward via the motors 52.

With regard to the steps of the method of securing the spacer 12 ontothe lines 14, see that in FIG. 5 , the spacer 12 is being locked ontothe lines 14. Notice the two arms 42 have been pulled relatively inwardby the linear actuator of the control arrangement 44 to close the clampportions 16 onto the lines 14.

It is to be appreciated that the clamp portions 16 of the line spacer 12are then secured. Note that within FIG. 5 , the motors 64 were then usedto drive the driver head/leadscrews 62 into the clamp portions 16,locking the spacer 12 onto the lines 14.

Turning to FIG. 6 , the figure shows the line spacer 12 fully installedand released from the drone system 10. Notice the two arms 42 have beenpulled relatively outward by the linear actuator of the controlarrangement 44 and the compression modules (e.g., the brackets 48 andthe motors 64 located thereon) have been driven back, via motors 52, totheir retracted positions. Within the shown example, such steps areneeded to allow the spacer 12 to be fully released from the drone system10.

Of course, the above-mentioned sequence (e.g., method steps) may berepeated for a subsequent line spacer at a different (e.g., subsequent)location.

As mentioned, the various structures and components of the drone system10 may be varied and that such variations are within the scope of thepresent disclosure. Also as mentioned, the various structures andcomponents of the line spacer 12 may be varied and that such variationsare within the scope of the present disclosure. Focusing upon spacers,it is to be appreciated that efficiency/ease of securing spacers ontolines is a concept that is provided via the present disclosure. As such,various structures and components of line spacers that provide forefficiency/ease of securing spacers on to the lines are contemplated andare within the scope of the present disclosure. FIGS. 7-11 provide somenon-limiting examples of such. Of course, it is to be appreciated thatassociated variations to structures and components of drone assemblies,such as to hold and actuate such spacers are contemplated and within thescope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a spacer 112 that for installation onto linesby a drone assembly. FIG. 7 illustrates the spacer 112 in a slightlyopen, unlatched, etc. state. FIG. 8 illustrates the spacer in a closed,latched, etc. state. It is to be appreciated that FIGS. 7 and 8 showonly a portion of the spacer 112 and specifically show a portion thatincludes one of two clamps 116 of the spacer. It is to be understoodthat the spacer 112 does have two clamps 116, one on each end of thespacer. Also, it is to be appreciated that each of the two clamps 116have structures/functions that are the same, albeit in mirror-image.Just the shown clamp 116 is described with the understanding that thedescriptions are applicable to the other clamp.

The clamp 116 is provided as two clamp parts 120, 122 with a first clamppart 120 fixed relative to a bulk of the spacer 112 and a second clamppart 122 pivotal relative to the first clamp part. The two clamp parts120, 122, when in a closed state (FIG. 8 ), define a passage throughwhich a line (e.g., 14) extends. A resilient cushion member 126 may beprovided and is shown as being provided. The resilient cushion may beprovided as two pieces (e.g., one piece being associated with each ofthe two clamp parts 120, 122. The resilient cushion member 126 may havea variety of constructions/configurations and such variations are withinthe scope of the present disclosure.

The clamp 116 of the spacer 112 has a latching mechanism 130. Thelatching mechanism 130 may also be considered to be a keeper, etc. Thelatching mechanism 130 allows the clamp 116 to be maintained, held, etc.in the closed state, such as around the line (e.g., 14). For example,the clamp 116 of the spacer 112 has one or more mating portions thatmate, engage, etc. to keep the clamp 116 in the closed state. In anexample, the clamp 116 is in the open state when the one or more matingportions are not engaged. In an example, the clamp 116 is in the closedstate when the one or more mating portions are engaged. In an example, afirst mating portion 132 defines an opening, recess, aperture, etc. thatreceives a second mating portion 134. In an example, at least one of thefirst mating portion 132 or the second mating portion 134 has a tapered,beveled, angled, etc. surface to facilitate sliding, guiding, etc. ofthe second mating portion into the opening, such as through interaction,interfacing, etc. between surfaces of the first mating portion and thesecond mating portion. In an example, the second mating portion 134 isbiased to an extended state, such as by a spring, deformation, etc.,such that the second mating portion is compressed, extends to a lesserdegree, etc. when the second mating portion is in contact with,interfacing with, etc. the first mating portion 132 but not receivedwithin the opening. The second mating portion 134 is uncompressed,extends to a greater degree, etc. when the second mating portion isreceived within the opening, such as illustrated in FIG. 8 , due to thebiasing.

Within the shown example, the first mating portion 132 includes aprojection, with an opening, that is located on a main portion of thespacer 112, adjacent to the first clamp part 120. So, for each clamp116, the first mating portion 132 is associated within one portion ofthe clamp and the second mating portion 134 is associated with anotherportion of the clamp. Also, within the shown example, the second portion134 is a spring-biased movable projection that is movably supported onthe second clamp part 122. The second portion 134 acts like aspring-biased detent that will extend into the opening of the projectionof the first mating portion 132 when the clamp 116 is fully closed. So,the second mating portion 134 is biased toward mating with the firstmating portion 132. Also, such is a linearly moving portion causing themating of the first mating portion 132 and the second mating portion134. Within the extension, the clamp 116 is secured in the closed state.Such extension is automatic. So, the securing of the clamp 116 in theclosed state is efficient and automatic. Simultaneous actuation ispossible.

Also, note that there is no need for a rotary securing member (e.g.,screw, bolt or similar). So, the arrangement is a non-rotary securingarrangement. The drone system 10 may be modified accordingly to installsuch onto lines 14.

Focusing back to the spacer 112, it is to be noted that there may beprovide an arrangement to release the second portion 134 from the firstmating portion 132. Within the shown example, the second portion 134includes a protrusion that may be engaged to move the second portion 134back from the first mating portion 132. Also, it may be possible tootherwise push the second portion 134 back from the first mating portion132.

Other arrangements, configurations, etc. of the spacer, and particularlytechniques, features, mechanisms, etc. for allowing the end portion tobe transitioned between and maintained within the open and closed statesare contemplated and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

As some examples of such other arrangements, configurations, etc. of thespacer, and particularly techniques, features, mechanisms, etc.,attention is directed to the example of FIGS. 9 and 10 and the exampleof FIG. 11 .

FIGS. 9 and 10 provides two illustrations of a spacer 212 having clamps216 at the two ends of the spacer. FIG. 9 shows the spacer 212 in anopen state and FIG. 10 showing the spacer in a closed state. The spacer212 is for installation onto lines (e.g., 14) by a drone assembly, withthe closure from the open state to the closed state being via a linearactuation. Simultaneous actuation is possible.

As can be appreciated from FIGS. 9 and 10 , each clamp 216 is providedby linearly movable portions 226, 228 that may move, via a slidingmovement, relative to each other. The sliding movement is a linearmovement, one portion moving linearly relative to the other portion.Such provides a linearly moving portion causing the mating of the firstmating portion and the second mating portion. Within the shown example,the portions 226 of the two clamps 216 are fixed relative to a rigidcenter portion 230. Each portion is connected to a slider portion 232that slides relative to the center portion 230.

Note that the relatively moving slider portions 232 include matingsegments 236 (i.e., see upwardly extending segments within the example),that can be mated (e.g., engaged to each other) and secured together viaa single fastener (e.g., a clip, bolt screw or similar) once the spacer212 is in the closed state. As such, the segments 236 are first andsecond mating portions configured to mate (engage) to maintain theclosed state. Such provides efficiency/ease of securing the spacer 212onto lines (e.g., 14). Also, at least one of the first and second matingportions is associated with one of the two portions of each clamp.

Also, note that if a rotary securing member (e.g., screw, bolt orsimilar) is not used (e.g., a clip or similar is used), the arrangementis a non-rotary securing arrangement. The drone system 10 may bemodified accordingly to install such onto lines 14.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of another example spacer 312. The spacer hastwo clamps 316 at the two ends of the spacer. The spacer 312 is forinstallation onto lines (e.g., 14) by a drone assembly.

Each clamp 316 is provided as two clamp parts 320, 322 with a firstclamp part 320 fixed relative to a center portion 330 of the spacer 312and a second clamp part 322 pivotal relative to the first clamp part.The two clamp parts 320, 322, when in a closed state, define a passagethrough which a line (e.g., 14) extends. The second clamp part 322 has asloped surface 332 and a notch 334 located along the sloped surface.

The clamp 316 of the spacer 312 has a closing and latching mechanism340. The closing and latching mechanism 340 cooperates with the slopedsurface 332 and the notch 334 of the second clamp part 322 to close andlatch the clamp 316.

Within the shown example, the closing and latching mechanism 340 has alinear actuator 350. Each end of the linear actuator is pivotallymounted on a respective pivot link 352. The distal end of each pivotlink 352 it pivotally mounted on the center portion 330 near therespective clamp part 320. So, for each clamp 316, the first matingportion is associated within one portion of the clamp and the secondmating portion is associated with another portion of the clamp. Thelocation of each pivot link 352 is adjacent to a respective slopedsurface 332 of the second clamp part 322, when the clamp 316 is ready tobe fully closed and secured.

Along each pivot link 352 is a roller 354 mounted for rotation. Theroller 354 is for engagement with the respective sloped surface 332. Itis to be appreciated that as the linear actuator is extended, the rollerbears against the respect sloped surface. The bearing roller forces thesloped surface down toward the center portion. With the sloped surfacebeing on the second clamp part 322, the second clamp part thus moves andcloses the clamp. Such is a camming action. The notch 334 is positionedalong the sloped surface 332 such that once the clamp 316 is fullyclosed, the roller 354 reaches the notch and enters the notch. Such actsas a detent arrangement to hold the roller 354 in the notch 334 and thushold the clamp 316 closed.

As such, the notch 334 and the roller 354 are first and second matingportions configured to mate (engage) to maintain the closed state. Suchprovides efficiency/ease of securing the spacer 312 onto lines (e.g.,14). Simultaneous actuation is possible.

Also, note that there is no need for a rotary securing member (e.g.,screw, bolt or similar). So, the arrangement is a non-rotary securingarrangement.

It is to be appreciated that FIG. 11 shows the spacer 312 in the processof being actuated from an open state to a closed state. Such actuationis may be via (e.g., operated, controlled) the drone assembly. Asmentioned, the closure from the open state to the closed state being viaa linear actuation of a linear actuator on the spacer 312. Such providesa linearly moving portion causing the mating of the first mating portionand the second mating portion. Such closing at the two sides may besimultaneous. It is to be noted that the actuation can be considered tobe a single action for actuation.

Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that in addition to the linearactuation, there are camming actions. It is to be appreciated that thespacer 312 of FIG. 11 is just one example and that variations arecontemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.Specifically, various types of rollers, shafts, etc. that provide forrolling/camming upon a counterpart ramp/sloped surface are contemplatedand within the scope of the present disclosure. In general, the movementof a roller to force/push a respective clamp closed is contemplated andwithin the scope of the present disclosure. Also note that lockingoccurs. The example shows that once each roller shaft reaches and entersa respective notch located along the ramp surface. However, variationsregarding locking are contemplated and within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

The drone system 10 may be modified accordingly to install such ontolines 14.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood thatthe subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarilylimited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, thespecific features and acts described above are disclosed as exampleforms of implementing at least some of the claims.

Various operations of embodiments are provided herein. The order inwhich some or all of the operations described should not be construed toimply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternativeordering will be appreciated having the benefit of this description.Further, it will be understood that not all operations are necessarilypresent in each embodiment provided herein. Also, it will be understoodthat not all operations are necessary in some embodiments.

Many modifications may be made to the instant disclosure withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Unlessspecified otherwise, “first,” “second,” or the like are not intended toimply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather,such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features,elements, items, etc. For example, a first location and a secondlocation correspond to location A and location B or two different or twoidentical locations or the same location.

Moreover, “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example,instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. Asused in this application, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or”rather than an exclusive “or”. In addition, “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication are to be construed to mean “one or more” unless specifiedotherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also,at least one of A and B or the like means A or B or both A and B.Furthermore, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, orvariants thereof are used in either the detailed description or theclaims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to“comprising”.

Also, although the disclosure has been illustrated and described withrespect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations andmodifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon areading and understanding of this specification and the annexeddrawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterationsand is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particularregard to the various functions performed by the above-describedcomponents (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describesuch components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated,to any component which performs the specified function of the describedcomponent (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though notstructurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while aparticular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed withrespect to only one of several implementations, such feature may becombined with one or more other features of the other implementations asmay be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

What is claimed:
 1. A line spacer for installation onto lines, thespacer comprising: an end portion configured to transition between anopen state and a closed state; a first mating portion; and a secondmating portion configured to mate with the first mating portion tomaintain the end portion in the closed state, wherein the spacer isinstalled on a line of the lines when the end portion is associated withthe line and maintained in the closed state.
 2. The spacer as set forthin claim 1, wherein: the first mating portion defines an opening; andthe second mating portion is received within the opening to maintain theend portion in the closed state.
 3. The spacer as set forth in claim 2,wherein: at least one of the first mating portion has a first surfacethat is beveled or the second mating portion has a second surface thatis beveled to facilitate guiding the second mating portion into theopening.
 4. The spacer as set forth in claim 3, wherein: the secondmating portion is biased to an extended state.
 5. The spacer as setforth in claim 4, wherein: the second mating portion is in the extendedstate when the second mating portion is received within the opening. 6.The spacer as set forth in claim 5, wherein: the second mating portionis not in the extended state when the second surface is in contact withthe first surface but the second mating portion is not received withinthe opening.
 7. The spacer as set forth in claim 1, wherein the secondmating portion is biased toward mating with the first mating portion. 8.The spacer as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least one of the firstmating portion or the second mating portion comprises a linearly movingportion.
 9. The spacer as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first matingportion comprises a notch and the second mating portion comprises aroller.
 10. The spacer as set forth in claim 1, wherein the spacercomprises a line clamp that comprises a first portion and a secondportion, the first mating portion is associated with the first portionand the second mating portion is associated with the second portion. 11.The spacer as set forth in claim 1, comprising a second end portionconfigured to transition between an open state and a closed state,wherein the second mating portion is configured to mate with the firstmating portion to maintain the second end portion in the closed state.12. A line spacer for installation onto lines, the line spacercomprising: a first line clamp comprising a first clamp portionactuatable between an open condition and a closed condition and a secondclamp portion actuatable between an open condition and a closedcondition; and a mechanism to actuate the first clamp portion and thesecond clamp portion.
 13. The spacer as set forth in claim 12, whereinthe mechanism concurrently actuates the first clamp portion and thesecond clamp portion.
 14. The spacer as set forth in claim 12, whereinthe mechanism independently actuates the first clamp portion and thesecond clamp portion.
 15. The spacer as set forth in claim 12, whereinthe first clamp portion is in at least one of the open condition or theclosed condition while the second clamp portion is in at least one ofthe open condition or the closed condition.
 16. The spacer as set forthin claim 12, comprising: a second line clamp comprising a third clampportion actuatable between an open condition and a closed condition anda fourth clamp portion actuatable between an open condition and a closedcondition, wherein the mechanism articulates the third clamp portion andthe fourth clamp portion.
 17. The spacer as set forth in claim 12,wherein the mechanism concurrently actuates the first clamp portion, thesecond clamp portion, the third clamp portion, and the fourth clampportion.
 18. The spacer as set forth in claim 12, wherein the mechanismindependently actuates the first clamp portion, the second clampportion, the third clamp portion, and the fourth clamp portion.
 19. Aline spacer for installation onto lines, the spacer comprising: a firstend portion configured to transition between an open state and a closedstate; a second end portion configured to transition between an openstate and a closed state; and a mechanism to place the first end portionin the closed state from the open state and to place the second endportion in the closed state from the open state, wherein the spacer isinstalled on a first line of the lines via the first end portion whenthe first end portion is associated with the first line and in theclosed state and the spacer is installed on a second line of the linesvia the second end portion when the second end portion is associatedwith the second line and in the closed state.
 20. The spacer as setforth in claim 19, comprising a fixing feature to keep the mechanism ina condition that maintains the first end portion in the closed state andthe second end portion in the closed state.